A 2027 Mini Clubman was recently transported from Portland, Oregon to Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. It took a 2,555-mile journey via open trailer. The fee for the move was $1,700, which is equivalent to the current price for a compact car on a lengthy trip from one coast to another. This type of transportation proves that even at distances of over 2,500 miles, coast-to-coast prices remain affordable for the most frequented national routes.
The transport route goes from the Pacific Northwest to western Pennsylvania and passes through several interstates that are operated on a weekly basis by transport companies. Being heavily frequented routes, there would be no trouble finding an available carrier to carry the cargo. The compact nature of the Mini Clubman added to this benefit as well, since the smaller cars occupy fewer deck spaces compared to large SUVs and trucks.
Why open transport made sense for this shipment
Nevertheless, open transport remains the most popular mode of transport in the industry. About 90% of customers choose it because it is cheaper than enclosed transport. 2027 Mini Clubman is a normal car and not a special one, and that is why open transport was suitable for it. While open transport does not offer any protection from debris and weather conditions, it offers much cheaper prices.
In general, enclosed transport is better suited for luxury and classic cars, which should be protected from possible damages. For such a regular car, there is no need in the additional cost of the protective transport. The customer saved hundreds of dollars choosing open transport service. And besides, the car was delivered in good condition.
The cost of the shipment per mile was about $0.67. Long-distance transportations are always more expensive in terms of total cost but cheaper in terms of per-mile cost because all the fixed expenses of the carriers are divided into larger mileage. Regional delivery would cost more per mile although the total cost of transportation would be cheaper.
The route
It followed one of the most reliable east-west routes in the nation. Once the truck left Portland, it followed Interstate 84. Interstate 84 goes through the Columbia River Gorge and into the plains of eastern Oregon and Idaho. From there, the route followed Interstate 80, which serves as the lifeline of intercontinental freight transport towards the Midwest and Eastern parts of the US.
The cargo followed Interstate 80 through Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa, before arriving at the busy intersection hub of Chicago. After that, the truck followed Interstate 90 eastward through Indiana and Ohio. The last leg took it down to western Pennsylvania and then to Cranberry Township near Pittsburgh.
In layman’s terms, the route was as follows:
Portland, OR → I-84 East through Columbia River Gorge
Idaho → I-84 to I-80 junction
I-80 East through Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa
Illinois → through Chicago area
I-90 East through Indiana and Ohio
Pennsylvania → Cranberry Township
The flow of traffic is consistent in both directions along this corridor; thus, the driver maintains a consistent schedule. This is advantageous to the customer because the carrier would like a route that enables him/her to have filled trailers with no empty miles.
What affected the price
There were several factors that influenced the $1,700 quote, but the distance factor was probably the most important one. At 2,555 miles, this qualifies as a cross-country move. It is a fairly long haul that is close to the maximum in terms of domestic distance. Longer distances result in higher costs, although the per-mile charge is relatively low.
Size of the vehicle also affected the pricing in the case considered. The Mini Clubman is a compact vehicle, and it can fit into an ordinary open trailer, leaving some space for additional cars. A bigger or heavier vehicle moving along the same path would certainly cost more, because it requires additional space and weight on the deck.
Season and time factor play an important role in cross-country rates. The demand typically rises in the latter part of spring and summer, and it may cause a general increase in prices across the industry. Off-season reservation usually reduces the cost. Winter weather in mountain states could slow down winter cross-country transportation via the I-84/I-80 high country.
Both locations were located in proximity to large metropolitan areas, which made it possible to keep costs under control. The origin point was quite well connected, and Cranberry Township was located very close to the Pittsburgh transport hub network. Pickup points located far in the countryside tend to increase costs due to the detour.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Portland, OR, 97219
- Destination: Cranberry Township, PA, 16066
- Trailer type: Open
- Distance: 2,555 miles
- Price: $1,700
- The route: Portland, OR → I-84 → Idaho → I-80 → Wyoming/Nebraska/Iowa → Illinois (Chicago) → I-90 → Indiana/Ohio → Cranberry Township, PA
